Articles of clothing and method of producing articles of clothing

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an article of clothing including a first portion to cover a wearer and a fastening system to hold the first portion on the wearer. In an embodiment, the fastening system includes a second portion connectable to the first portion, and at least one opening in the first portion or the second portion. The connection to the second portion and the at least one opening are located at positions in the first portion or the second portion such that the first or second portion is passable through the at least one opening to cause the first portion to encircle the wearer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Phase Entry into the U.S. under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of and claims priority to PCT Application No. PCT/EP2017/054869 filed Mar. 2, 2017, and entitled “Articles of Clothing and Method of Producing Articles of Clothing,” which claims priority to GB1604042.0 filed on Mar. 9, 2016, and GB1619999.4 filed Mar. 9, 2016, the contents of each being incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to articles of clothing and methods of producing articles of clothing.

Ready-to-wear clothing is typically mass-produced in standard sizes and designed to require little, if any, alteration. Made-to-measure and haute couture clothing are custom-made to an individual's specific measurements and the processes may require multiple fittings. Custom-made clothing is generally considerably more expensive than ready-to-wear clothing. However ready-to-wear clothing has a disadvantage in that the standard sizes are unlikely to exactly match a wearer's body shape and size.

An article of clothing that could be produced to perfectly fit a wearer of any size without requiring any fittings would be advantageous. It would enable someone to have essentially a custom-fit garment without the high costs of haute couture or made-to-measure clothing and without needing to spend time attending fittings.

Most clothing is constructed using seams. The seams provide shape and structure and hold a garment together and on the body. Fasteners such as zips, buttons, snap fasteners, hooks and eyes are also used to retain the garment on the body. However, the appearance of a garment can be impaired by the presence of seams and fasteners. For example, the way a dress or a skirt falls may be interrupted by a seam or a zip. It would thus be advantageous to be able to produce articles of clothing with no seams or fasteners. An article of clothing without seams and fasteners must use another method of enabling the garment to stay securely on the wearer.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of clothing comprising a first portion to cover a wearer and a fastening system to hold the first portion on the wearer, the fastening system comprising a second portion connected or connectable to the first portion; and at least one opening in the first portion or second portion; wherein the connection to the second portion and the at least one opening are located at positions in the first portion or second portion such that, in use, the first or second portion can be passed through the at least one opening to cause the first portion to encircle the wearer.

The first aspect of the present invention allows an article of clothing to be held together and around a wearer without the need to use seams or fasteners. The fastening system refers to the mechanism for securing the garment on the wearer and does not refer to the use of fasteners, such as buttons, or seams. This provides an advantage over the prior art as the appearance of an article of clothing is not interrupted by seams or fasteners.

The first aspect of the present invention also allows for one size of an article of clothing to be able to fit any size of wearer. The first and second portions are draped on and around the wearer and can accommodate any body shape or size and the fastening system allows the article of clothing to be secured onto a wearer of any body shape or size. This is advantageous as the wearer has an article of clothing that fits their body perfectly, without the need for a custom-made garment or to attend fittings.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of producing an article of clothing comprising a single piece of material, the method comprising making a first incision in the single piece of material, wherein the incision starts at an edge of the single piece of material and divides the single piece of material into a first portion and a second portion that remain attached; and making at least a second incision in the first portion or second portion to create at least one opening.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for forming an article of clothing comprising a first portion to cover a wearer and a fastening system to hold the first portion on the wearer, the method comprising providing a second portion connected or connectable to the first portion; and forming at least one opening in the first portion or second portion; wherein the connection to the second portion and the at least one opening are located at positions in the first portion or second portion such that, in use, the first or second portion can be passed through the at least one opening to cause the first portion to encircle the wearer.

The second aspect of the present invention is a method for producing an article of clothing that requires no seams or fasteners and can fit any body size or shape. The basic form of the article of clothing is created by cutting and is aimed to be draped around a wearer. This method allows an article of clothing to fit a wearer as precisely as a made-to-measure garment, but it is not custom-made and does not require fittings. Therefore this method is a simplified and less expensive process of producing a custom-fit article of clothing.

Preferably, in use, the first or second portion is worn over at least one shoulder of the wearer.

In one example, the weight of the second portion holds the first portion in place around the wearer.

With the opening sitting below shoulder level, wearing the first or second portion hanging over one shoulder, or both shoulders, produces an anchoring effect to hold the first portion in place with the opening at a fixed point on the first or second portion. The force of the weight of the second portion on one side of the shoulder helps to balance the force of the weight of the first portion on the other side of the shoulder to prevent the first portion or second portion sliding back through the opening, which would cause the article of clothing to unfasten. With the weight of the second portion acting to pull the first or second portion upwards from the opening and over a shoulder, the first portion is held up around the wearer and prevented from falling down.

The friction between the first or second portion and the wearer's skin, or other article of clothing worn underneath, and the compressive strength of the first or second portion that has passed through the opening also contributes to the anchoring effect and helps to balance the weight of the first portion.

In another example, tension in the second portion holds the first portion in place around the wearer.

Instead of leaving it to hang, after passing the first or second portion over a shoulder, the second portion it may be tied, pinned or otherwise fastened to itself, to the first portion or around part of the wearer's body. The fastening creates a tension in the second portion that acts similarly to the weight to anchor the first portion in place.

In one example, the first portion has a polygonal shape.

In one example, the second portion has a polygonal shape.

Straight edges allow the article of clothing to be easily arranged around the wearer. Corners help the first and second portions to hang properly.

Preferably, the polygonal shape is a rectangle.

A quadrilateral is the optimum shape for the first portion as it provides top and bottom edges and one edge at each side to be brought together in the encirclement of the wearer. Using a rectangles, rather than irregular quadrilaterals, allows for a more even and symmetrical look.

In one example, the first portion and second portion side lengths are in the range of 120 cm to 150 cm.

This range allows the first portion to be long enough to be wrapped around a wearer and cover a large proportion of the length of the wearer, such as for a dress. It also allows the second portion to be large enough to help balance the weight of the first portion.

In one example, the connection between the first portion and the second portion is located at a corner of the first portion.

This allows the full extent of the first portion to be used to cover the wearer, rather than if the connection were along the side of the first portion.

In one example, the connection between the first portion and the second portion is located at a corner of the second portion.

With the first portion and second portion both attached at their corners, they are joined at their narrowest points. This helps the article of clothing to sit better on the wearer as the connection will be positioned close to the opening, which may be narrow.

In one example the at least one opening is a slit with a length between 1 cm and 10 cm.

The opening must be small to help the article of clothing remain fastened but large enough to facilitate the insertion and passage of the first or second portion.

Once the first or second portion has been passed through the opening, the smaller the opening is, the less easily the first or second portion will slide back out. This is due to the compression needed to reduce the width of the first or second portion to the width of the opening. The optimal size of the opening within this range may be determined by the type and weight of the material forming the first and second portions and the dimensions of the first and second portions. A more slippery or lightweight material requires a smaller opening than a rougher or heavier material as the rougher or more heavier material can rely more on friction and the anchoring effect of its weight to avoid sliding back out of the opening.

Preferably, the at least one opening is located at a distance of 40 cm or less from a corner of the first portion.

This puts the opening in the vicinity of two edges. The second portion and the opening are located at positions in the first portion such that, in use, the first or second portion can be passed through the opening to cause the first portion to encircle the wearer. Therefore the closer the opening is located to the edges, the less excess material of the first portion there may be. Some excess material between the opening and its closest edge which meets and/or overlaps the opposite edge to encircle the wearer is desirable in order to allow free movement of the wearer whilst remaining covered by the first portion. The distance between the opening and the top edge of the first portion may depend on the final desired appearance of the article of clothing.

Preferably, the first and second portions are connected by being part of a single continuous piece of material.

In order to remove the need for seams or fasteners, the first portion and second portion may be formed from a single piece of material.

Preferably the first and second portions are separated by a slit in the single continuous piece of material.

The slit does not extend throughout the piece of material so as to cut it into two separate pieces. Rather, the first and second portions remain partly connected, with the slit allowing them to be more independent of each other, such that the second portion can be passed through the at least one opening to cause the first portion to encircle the wearer

In one example, the first and second portions are connected or connectable by a seam.

In one example, the first and second portions are connected or connectable by hooks and eyes.

In one example, the first and second portions are releasably connected or connectable.

The first and second portions may comprise individual pieces of material that are permanently or releasably connected or connectable. Connecting the portions by a seam may be carried out during the production of the article of clothing and allows the manufacturer to create an article of clothing from two different types or colours of material. Connecting the portions by hooks and eyes may be facilitated by the manufacturer and carried out by the wearer. For example, the manufacturer may incorporate eyes into the first portion and hooks into the second portion so that they can be connected by the wearer. This allows the wearer to interchange first and second portions of different types and colours of material.

In one example, the first portion has a plurality of openings for receiving the first or second portion.

The wearer may have a choice of openings through which to pass the first or second portion in order to fasten the article of clothing. The opening used may depend on the final desired appearance of the article of clothing. Additionally, the first or second portion may be passed through multiple openings. The use of multiple openings would help to provide tension to hold the first portion in place on the wearer as the first or second portion, having been threaded through the multiple openings, resists compression and experiences friction.

In one example, the vertical ends of the first portion are held together by one or more single stitches.

One or more single stitches do not constitute a seam, as a seam is a continuous line of stitching. These one or more stitches are not for securing the article of clothing on the wearer's body, but are for holding the side ends of the first portion together so as to avoid revealing the wearer's body underneath.

Preferably, the first and second portions comprise material weighing no less than 80 grams per square metre.

A lighter fabric can be more easily compressed to pass through the opening and is therefore less effective in anchoring the first portion in place around the wearer.

Preferably, the article of clothing is one of the following: dress (including a full length dress and shorter dress such as a cocktail dress); skirt; top; cape; shawl.

The present invention can form a variety of different articles of clothing. As it relies on draping and uses no seams or fasteners, except to connect the first and second portions, the present invention is most suitable for clothing without sleeves or legs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a pattern for a dress in accordance with a first embodiment present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a dress that can be made using the pattern of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the dress of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a rear view of the dress of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 shows a pattern for a dress in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a pattern for a skirt in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures.

FIG. 1 presents a dress pattern 2 that is formed of a single rectangle 4 that has been divided by a first slit 6 into a rectangular first portion 8 and a rectangular second portion 10 that remain attached.

FIGS. 2 to 4 present several views of a design for a dress 36 that can be produced from the dress pattern 2 of FIG. 1. The dress comprises a single continuous piece of material and has no seams.

When the dress 36 is in use, the first portion 8 is wrapped around the body of a wearer with top edge 22 located above the bust and parallel to the ground. First side 18 and second side 20 fall vertically down the body and bottom edge 24 is closest to the ground.

When the first portion 8 is wrapped around the wearer, the first side 18 and second side 20 of the first portion 8 meet and then overlap. Preferably, the second slit 34 sits below a shoulder of the wearer and remains on the outside of the overlap in the first portion 8.

To encircle the wearer with the first portion 8, the second portion 10 is threaded through the second slit 34, preferably from behind. The connected area 16 between the first portion 8 and the second portion 10 may also pass through the slit 34, as may part of the first portion 8. The circumference of the wearer's chest may determine the extent of the first portion 8 that passes through the slit 34. A small chest circumference would require a lesser extent of the first portion 8 to cover the body and so a greater extent of the first portion 8 can be passed through the slit. A larger chest circumference would require a greater extent of the first portion 8 to cover the body and so a lesser extent of the first portion 8 can be passed through the slit.

The second portion 10, and any part of the first portion 8, that has passed through the slit 34 forms the train 38 of the dress 36. The train 38 and the slit 34 in the first portion 8 provide the fastening system for the dress. The train is preferably worn over the wearer's shoulder where it has an anchoring effect that prevents the first portion 8 coming loose.

When the first portion 8 is wrapped around the wearer, the slit 34 is unable to slide down and away from the train 38 to receive more of the first portion 8. When spread out to cover the wearer, the first portion 8 is too wide to pass through the slit 34. The first portion 8 is prevented from being compressed into a small enough width to pass through the slit 34 any further by its arrangement around the wearer.

The train 38 is prevented from sliding back out of the slit 34 due to the volume and weight of the material. The side lengths of the second portion 10 can be considerably larger than the width of the slit 34. As will be explained below, there may be reasons to vary the length of the slit 34.

In order to thread the second portion 10 through the slit so that the first portion 8 may encircle the wearer, the second portion 10 must be compressed to a width that is small enough to pass through the slit 34. The compression can occur by an action on the input side of the slit 34, for example the wearer, vendor or manufacturer of the dress may condense the second portion and push it through the slit. Alternatively, the compression can be a result of the second portion 10 being pulled through the slit 34 from the output side and condensing as it is forced to momentarily assume the small dimensions of the slit 34. The second portion 10 therefore does not easily slide in and out of the slit 34 and must be pulled or pushed by an external force.

In use, the train 38 can be arranged such that it hangs over one or both shoulders of the wearer. In this situation, the train 38 acts like an anchor to prevent the dress 36 slipping down. The weight of the train 38 balances the weight of the first portion 8 wrapped around the wearer and pulls on the first portion 8 at both the connection area 16 and the slit 34, thereby fastening the dress 36 around the wearer and holding the top of the dress 36 in place at the top of the bust of the wearer.

Alternatively, the train 38 may be tied, pinned or otherwise fastened around a part of the wearer's body and/or threaded through one or more further slits, such that the dress is fastened by the tension in the train, rather than the weight of the train.

The length of the slit 34 may be varied according to the type of material comprising the dress 36 in order to account for the variations in properties of different types of material. Different fabrics may have different weights and different frictional properties. For example, a silken fabric may be more lightweight than a woollen fabric and it may also have a lower coefficient of friction against itself and against skin.

The lower the weight and coefficient of friction of the fabric comprising the dress 36, the smaller the slit 34 needs to be. A smaller slit 34 compensates for a lighter and/or more slippery train 38 as it lessens the ability of the train 38 to inadvertently slide out of the slit 34 and allow the dress 36 to unfasten.

The length of the slit 34 may also be varied according to the dimensions of the second portion 10. A larger second portion 10 means the train 38 is heavier and there is a higher volume of material to be condensed to pass through the slit 34; it lessens the ability of the train 38 to inadvertently slide out of the slit 34 allow the dress 36 to unfasten. Therefore a smaller train 38 may need a smaller slit 34 but a larger train 38 may provide enough of an anchoring effect to allow for a larger slit 34.

The vertical sides 18 and 20 of the first portion 8 may be held together by one or more single stitches so that the first portion 8 remains encircling the wearer and the body is not revealed underneath.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the original undivided rectangle 4 has long sides 12 and short sides 14. The long sides 12 preferably have lengths in the range 200 cm to 320 cm, but more preferably in the range 240 cm to 280 cm. In a preferred embodiment the length of the long sides 12 is 266 cm. The short sides 14 preferably have lengths in the range 120 cm to 160 cm, but more preferably in the range 130 cm to 150 cm. In a preferred embodiment the length of the short sides 14 is 140 cm.

The first slit 6 that separates the first portion 8 and second portion 10 preferably extends parallel to the short edges 14 of the original rectangle. The length of the first slit 6 is preferably at least half the length of the short sides 14 and, when extending parallel to the short edges 14, the length of the first slit 6 is preferably at least 1 cm less than the length of the short edges 14. More preferably, the length of the first slit is at least 90% of the length of the short sides 14 and at least 3 cm less than the length of the short sides 14. In a preferred embodiment, the first slit 6 is 134 cm long.

The first slit 6 creates a connected area 16 connecting the first portion 8 and the second portion 10. The connected area 16 is defined as a perpendicular length from the long edge 12 to the closed end of the slit 6. The length of the connected area 16 is the difference between the length of the slit and the length of the short edges 14. In a preferred embodiment, the connected area 16 represents a 6 cm-long space between the closed end of the first slit 6 and the long edge 12.

The first portion 8 created by the slit 6 has first side 18, second side 20, top edge 22 and bottom edge 24. The second portion 10 created by the slit 6 has first side 26, second side 28, top edge 30 and bottom edge 32.

Of the first portion 8, the first side 18 is a first short edge 14 of the original rectangle 4 and the second side 20 is a first side of the first slit 6. The top edge 22 is the first part of a first long side 12 of the original rectangle 4 and bottom edge 24 is the first part of a second long side 12 of the original rectangle 4.

Preferably, the top edge 22 and bottom edge 24 of the first portion 8 have lengths between 100 cm and 160 cm. More preferably their lengths are in the range 120 cm to 150 cm and in a preferred embodiment, top edge 22 and bottom edge 24 are 136 cm long.

Of the second portion 10, the first side 26 is a second short edge 14 of the original rectangle 4 and the second side 28 is a second side of the first slit 6. The top edge 30 is the second part of a first long side 12 of the original rectangle 4 and bottom edge 32 is the second part of a second long side 12 of the original rectangle 4.

Preferably, the top edge 30 and bottom edge 32 of the second portion 10 have lengths between 70 cm and 200 cm. More preferably their lengths are in the range 110 cm to 150 cm and in a preferred embodiment, top edge 30 and bottom edge 32 are 130 cm long.

Preferably, the lengths of the top edge 30 and bottom edge 32 of the second portion 10 are within 15 cm of the lengths of the top edge 22 and bottom edge 24 of the first portion 8.

The second slit 34 does not divide any edge, but creates an opening in the first portion 8. The length of the second slit 34 is preferably in the range 1 cm to 10 cm, but more preferably in the range 2 cm to 6 cm. In a preferred embodiment, the second slit 34 is 4 cm long. The second slit 34 preferably extends parallel to the top edge 22.

Combining the preferable dimension ranges provided for the side lengths of the second portion 10 and the length of the slit 34, the side lengths of the second portion 10 may be from 7 to 200 times the length of the slit 34. However a range of 20 to 100 times the length of the slit 34 may be preferable and a range of 20 to 70 times the length of the slit 34 may be more preferable.

The distance of the second slit 34 from the first side 18 of the first portion 8 is preferably in the range 1 cm to half of the length of the top edge 22. More preferably, the distance of the second slit 34 from the first side 18 is in the range 10 cm to 40 cm and in a preferred embodiment the second slit 34 is located 24 cm from the first side 18.

The distance of the second slit 34 from the top edge 22 of the first portion 8 is preferably in the range 1 cm to 10 cm. More preferably, the distance of the second slit 34 from the top edge 22 is in the range 1 cm to 4 cm and in a particular embodiment the second slit 34 is located 2 cm from the top edge 22.

A dress 36 made according to the pattern of FIG. 1 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The same reference numerals are used for corresponding features of the dress pattern 2 in FIG. 1 and the dress 36 in FIGS. 2 to 4.

The dress 36 may be made out of a wide variety of materials. Preferably, the weight of the material composing the dress is in the range 80 gsm (i.e., g/m²) to 200 gsm, or, more preferably, in the range 90 gsm to 130 gsm.

The first portion 8 and second portion 10 do not have to be rectangular in shape, or share the same shape or approximate size. The shapes of the first portion 8 and second potion 10 may be irregular, have any number of corners, or include curved edges. The second portion 10 may be a lot larger or smaller than the first potion 8. It is, however, preferable for the first portion 8 to have a size and shape that allows the wearer's body to be decently covered. The shape of the second portion 10 is less important, but its size should be large enough to allow for its weight to hold the dress 36 up or its length to be tied to provide tension to hold the dress 36 up.

A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 shows a pattern 40 for a dress. The pattern 40 comprises two individual sections, a first portion 42 and a second portion 44, which are comparable to the first portion 8 and second portion 10 of the dress pattern 2 in FIG. 1.

The first portion 42 and second portion 44 are connectable via connecting tabs 46 and 48. However the connection may be made without connecting tabs 46 and 48 them, or with just one on either the first portion 42 or the second portion 44.

The connecting tabs 46, 48 allow the first portion 42 and the second portion 44 of a dress made from the pattern 40 to be fastened together. The tabs 46, 48 may be fastened permanently, such as by a sewn seam, or releasably, such as by hooks and eyes, buttons, snap fasteners, zips, or the like. Permanently fastening the first portion 42 to the second portion 44 may be carried out during manufacture; releasably fastening the first portion 42 to the second portion 44 may be carried out by the wearer, or during manufacture.

In the case that the first portion 42 is releasably fastened to the second portion 44, they may be interchangeable with other portions having compatible fastening systems.

For example, the connecting tab 46 of a first portion 42 may include hooks for connection to a connecting tab 48 of a second portion 44 that includes eyes. The first portion 42 and second portion 44 may be available individually to the wearer. A wearer may therefore obtain the first portion 42 and second portion 44 separately and then fasten them together in order to wear the dress. This allows interchangeability of the portions and customisation of the dress by the wearer. The wearer may select the first portion 42 and second portion 44 from a variety of colours, sizes, or materials and, for example, construct a dress with a white first portion 42 an a black second portion 44. The wearer may also purchase a grey second portion 44 that can be swapped with the black second portion 44 to create a dress with a different look.

A dress made from the pattern 40 of FIG. 5 functions similarly to the dress of FIGS. 2 to 4. When the first portion 40 and second portion 42 are releasably connectable and initially unconnected, the dress made from the pattern 40 may be fastened around the wearer by first inserting the connecting tab 46 of the first portion 40 through a slit 78 similar to the slit 34 of FIG. 1. Then the connecting tab 48 of the second portion 44 may be fastened to the connecting tab 46 of the first portion 42. The second portion 44 therefore does not have to be threaded through the slit 78.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 the first portion 42 is preferably a rectangle with a connecting tab 46, preferably located at a top corner. The connecting tab 46 provides a first interface between the first portion 42 and second portion 44. First portion 42 has first side 50, second side 52, top edge 54 and bottom edge 56. Connecting tab 46 has top tab edge 58, bottom tab edge 60 and connecting edge 62.

The preferable dimension ranges of the first side 50, second side 52, top edge 54 and bottom edge 56 are preferably the same as the preferable dimension ranges of the first side 18, second side 20, top edge 22 and bottom edge 24 of the first portion 8 of FIG. 1.

Top edge 54 and second side 52 do not include the connecting tab 46. If all corners of the first portion 42 are right angles, the length of the top edge 54 is equal to the length of the bottom edge 56 and the length of second side 52 is equal to the length of the first side 48 minus the length of the connecting edge 62 of the connecting tab 46.

The connecting tab 46 is analogous to the connected area 16 of FIG. 1. The length of connecting edge 62 is preferably the difference between the lengths of the first side 48 and the second side 52 of the first portion 42. However the connecting tab 46 may taper or widen away from the first potion 42. In that case, the length of the connecting edge is preferably in the range 1 cm to 50 cm and more preferably in the range 2 cm to 20 cm.

The lengths of the top tab edge 58 and bottom tab edge 60 are preferably in the range 1 cm to 50 cm and more preferably in the range 2 cm to 30 cm. It is preferable for the top tab edge 58 to be the same length as the bottom tab edge 60.

The second portion 44 is preferably a rectangle with a connecting tab 48, preferably located at a top corner. The connecting tab 48 provides a second interface between the first portion 42 and second portion 44. The second portion 44 has first side 64, second side 66, top edge 68 and bottom edge 70. Connecting tab 46 has top tab edge 72, bottom tab edge 74 and connecting edge 76.

The preferable dimension ranges of the first side 64, second side 66, top edge 68 and bottom edge 70 are preferably the same as the preferable dimension ranges of the first side 26, second side 28, top edge 30 and bottom edge 32 of the second portion 10 of FIG. 1.

Top edge 68 and second side 66 do not include the connecting tab 48. If all corners of the second portion 44 are right angles, the length of the top edge 68 is equal to the length of the bottom edge 70 and the length of second side 66 is equal to the length of the first side 64 minus the length of the connecting edge 76 of the connecting tab 48.

The connecting tab 48 is analogous to the connected area 16 of FIG. 1. The length of connecting edge 76 is preferably the difference between the lengths of the first side 64 and the second side 66 of the second portion 44. However the connecting tab 48 may taper or widen away from the second potion 44. In that case, the length of the connecting edge is preferably in the range 1 cm to 50 cm and more preferably in the range 2 cm to 20 cm.

The lengths of the top tab edge 72 and bottom tab edge 74 are preferably in the range 1 cm to 50 cm and more preferably in the range 2 cm to 30 cm. It is preferable for the top tab edge 72 to be the same length as the bottom tab edge 74.

The first portion 42, second portion 44 and connecting tabs 46 and 48 do not have to be rectangular in shape or share the same shape. Their shapes may be irregular, have any number of corners, or include curved edges. The second portion 44 may be a lot larger or smaller than the first potion 42. It is, however, preferable for the first portion 42 to have a size and shape that allows the wearer's body to be decently covered. The shape of the second portion 44 is less important, but its size should be large enough to allow for its weight to hold the dress up or its length to be tied to provide tension to hold the dress up.

A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 demonstrates a pattern 80 for a skirt. The pattern 80 is preferably formed of a first portion 82 and a second portion 84. The first portion 82 and second portion 84 may comprise a single piece of material, in correspondence with the pattern 2 in FIG. 1, or two separate pieces of material that are sewn or otherwise fastened together in correspondence with the pattern 40 in FIG. 5. The dashed line 86 demonstrates the position of the boundary between the first potion 82 and second portion 84 and the point at which they may be sewn or fastened together.

A skirt made from the pattern 80 of FIG. 6 is worn by wrapping the first portion 82 around the waist and legs of the wearer. The second portion 84 is also wrapped around the waist of the wearer until the second edge 96 meets the first slit 102 and second slit 104. The second portion 84 is then threaded through the first slit 102 from the front and through the second slit 104 from the back. The second portion 84 can be pushed or pulled through the slits 102 and 104 until the skirt is wrapped tightly enough around the wearer that it will not slide down over the wearer's hips.

The second portion 84 may be prevented from sliding back out of the slits 102 and 104 due to the volume of the material composing the second portion 84. The width of the second portion 84 (i.e. the length of the first side 86 or second side 96) can be considerably larger than the length of the slits 102 and 104. As will be explained below, there may be reasons to vary the length of the slits 102 and 104.

In order to thread the second portion 84 through the slit so that the first portion 82 may encircle the wearer, the second portion 84 must be compressed to a width that is small enough to pass through the slits 102 and 104. The compression can occur by an action on the input sides of the slits 102 and 104, for example the wearer, vendor or manufacturer of the skirt may condense the second portion and push it through the slit. Alternatively, the compression can be a result of the second portion 84 being pulled through the slits 102 and 104 from the output sides and condensing as it is forced to momentarily assume the small dimensions of the slits 102 and 104. The second portion 84 therefore does not easily slide in and out of the slits 102 and 104 and must be pulled or pushed by an external force. Having both the first slot 102 and the second slit 104 allows for a more secure fastening than if the skirt had just one slit.

The lengths of the slits 102 and 104 may be varied according to the type of material comprising the skirt in order to account for the variations in properties of different types of material. Different fabrics may have different weights and different frictional properties. For example, a silken fabric may be more lightweight than a woollen fabric and it may also have a lower coefficient of friction against itself and against skin.

The lower the weight and coefficient of friction of the fabric comprising the second portion 84, the smaller the slits 102 and 104 need to be. Smaller slits 102 and 104 compensate for a lighter and/or more slippery second portion 84 as it lessens the ability of the second portion 84 to inadvertently slide out of the slits 102 and 104 and allow the skirt to unfasten.

The lengths of the slits 102 and 104 may also be varied according to the width of the second portion 84. A wider second portion 4 means there is a higher volume of material to be condensed to pass through the slits 102 and 104; it lessens the ability of the second portion 84 to inadvertently slide out of the slits 102 and 104 and allow the skirt to unfasten. Therefore a wider second portion 84 allows for shorter slits 102 and 104.

In one example, the pattern used for the skirt is used or draped as a cocktail dress. In this case, instead of being draped at waist point in the way for use as a skirt, it is draped higher up on the body such as at the bust. A pattern similar to that of FIG. 1 could also be used for making a cocktail dress if the appropriate length for edges 18 and 20 are selected. The lengths or dimensions of the pattern can be varied and the clothing draped at bust level and therefore form a top.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the first portion 82 is preferably rectangular in shape and comprises a first side 88, second side 90, top edge 92 and bottom edge 94. The second portion 84 is also preferably rectangular in shape and comprises a first side 86 (the dashed line 86 demonstrates the boundary between the first portion 82 and second portion 84), second side 96, top edge 98 and bottom edge 100.

The lengths of the first side 88 and second side 90 of the first portion 82 are preferably in the range 40 cm to 120 cm and more preferably in the range 55 cm to 105 cm. In a particular embodiment, the first side 88 and second side 90 of the first portion 82 are 85 cm long.

The lengths of the top edge 92 and bottom edge 94 of the first portion 82 are preferably in the range 90 cm to 130 cm and more preferably in the range 100 cm to 120 cm. In a particular embodiment, the top edge 92 and bottom edge 94 of the first portion 82 are 109 cm long.

The lengths of the first side 86 and second side 96 of the second portion 84 are preferably in the range 10 cm to 40 cm and more preferably in the range 15 cm to 30 cm. In a particular embodiment, the first side 86 and second side 96 of the second portion 84 are 20 cm long.

The lengths of the top edge 98 and bottom edge 100 of the second portion 84 are preferably in the range 100 cm to 170 cm and more preferably in the range 120 cm to 160 cm. In a particular embodiment, the top edge 98 and bottom edge 100 of the second portion 84 are 150 cm long.

The second portion 84 comprises a first slit 102 and a second slit 104 that preferably extend perpendicularly to the top edge 98. The slits 102 and 104 provide openings in the second portion 84 for the fastening system of the skirt.

The lengths of slits 102 and 104 are preferably in the range 1 cm to 6 cm and more preferably in the range 2 cm to 4 cm. In a particular embodiment the slits 102 and 104 are 4 cm long. Combining the preferable dimension ranges provided for the width of the second portion 84 and the length of the slits 102 and 104, the width of the second portion 84 may be from 2 to 40 times the length of the slit 34. However a range of 3 to 15 times the length of the slit 34 may be preferable and a range of 4 to 10 times the length of the slit 34 may be more preferable. In a particular embodiment, the second portion 84 is 5 times the length of the slits 102 and 104.

The slits 102 and 104 are located preferably at the same distance from the top edge 98, which is preferably no less than 1 cm. In a particular embodiment the slits 102 and 104 begin 10 cm below the top edge 98.

The distance of the first slit 102 from the second side 96 is preferably in the range 70 cm to 120 cm and more preferably in the range 90 cm to 110 cm. In a particular embodiment, the distance of the first slit 102 from the second side 96 is 100 cm.

The second slit 104 lies at a distance preferably in the range of 1 cm to 5 cm from the first slit 102 and lies closer to the second side 96 than the first slit 102 is. In a particular embodiment, the first slit 102 and second slit 104 are separated by 2 cm. Therefore the distance of the second slit 104 from the second side 96 is preferably in the range 71 cm to 125 cm and more preferably in the range 91 cm to 115 cm. In a particular embodiment, the distance of the second slit 104 from the second side 96 is 98 cm.

The first portion 82 and second portion 84 do not have to be rectangular in shape. The shapes of the first portion 82 and second potion 84 may be irregular, have any number of corners, or include curved edges. It is, however, preferable for the first portion 82 to have a size and shape that allows the wearer's body to be decently covered. It is also preferable for the second portion 84 to be long enough to wrap around the wearer's waist and be inserted into the slits 102 and 104.

Embodiments of the present invention have been described with particular reference to the examples illustrated. However, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to the examples described within the scope of the present invention. 

1. An article of clothing comprising: a first portion to cover a wearer; ard a fastening system to hold the first portion on the wearer, the fastening system comprising: a second portion connected to the first portion at a conection; and an opening in one of the first portion or second portion; wherein one of the first or second portion is configured to be passed through the opening to cause the first portion to encircle the wearer; wherein the first and second portions and the connection comprise a single continuous piece of material; and wherein the first and second port ions are separated by a slit in the single continuous piece of material.
 2. The article of claim 1, wherein, the first or second portion is configured to be worn over at least one shoulder of the wearer.
 3. The article of claim 1, wherein the weight of the second portion is configured to hold the first portion in place around the wearer.
 4. The article of claim 1, wherein tension in the second portion is configured to hold the first portion in place around the wearer.
 5. The article of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first portion or the second portion has a polygonal shape.
 6. (canceled)
 7. The article of claim 5, wherein the polygonal shape is a rectangle.
 8. The article of claim 7, wherein the first portion and second portion side lengths are in the range of 120 to 150 centimetres.
 9. The article of claim 5, wherein the connection is located at a corner of at least one of the first portion or the second portion.
 10. (canceled)
 11. The article of claim 1, wherein the opening is a slit with a length in the range of 1 to 10 centimetres.
 12. The article of claim 1, wherein the opening is located at a distance of 40 centimetres or less from a corner of the first portion.
 13. (canceled)
 14. (canceled)
 15. An article of clothing, comprising: a first portion configured to cover a wearer; and a fastening system configured to hold the first portion on the wearer, the fastening system comprising: a second portion connected or connectable to the first portion; and an opening in the first portion or the second portion; wherein one of the first or second portion is configured to be passed through the opening to cause the first portion to encircle the wearer; and wherein the first and second portions are: releasably connected or connectable; or connected of connectable by a seam.
 16. (canceled)
 17. The article of claim 15, wherein the first and second portions are releasably connected or connectable by hook and eyes.
 18. The article of claim 15, wherein the first portion comprises a plurality of openings that are configured to receive the first or second portion.
 19. The article of claim 15, wherein the first portion includes vertical ends that are held together by one or more stitches.
 20. The article of claim 15, wherein the first and second portions comprise material weighing no less than 80 grams per square meter.
 21. (canceled)
 22. A method for forming an article of clothing comprising a first portion to cover a wearer and a fastening system to hold the first portion on the wearer, the method comprising: providing a second portion connected or connectable to the first portion at a connection; and forming an opening in the first portion or second portion; wherein one of the first or second portion are configured to be passed through the opening to cause the first portion to encircle the wearer.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein one of the first or second portion is configured to be worn over a shoulder of the wearer.
 24. The method of claim 22, wherein the weight of the second portion is configured to hold the first portion in place around the wearer.
 25. The method of claim 22, wherein tension in the second portion is configured to hold the first portion in place around the wearer. 26.-28. (canceled)
 29. The method of claim 22, wherein the first portion has a polygonal shape, wherein the second portion has a polygonal shape, and wherein the first portion and second portion each have side lengths that range from 120 to 150 centimeters. 30.-42. (canceled) 